Sheikh Rashid Ahmed

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (Urdu: شيخ رشيد احمد‎, born November 6, 1950 in Rawalpindi) is a Pakistani politician and writer of Kashmiri Origin. He served as the Federal Minister for Railways in Pakistan from 2006 to 2008. His previous portfolio have included appointments as Federal Minister for Labor and Manpower, Information and Broadcasting, Industries, Sports Culture, and Tourism and Investment. He formed his own political party Awami Muslim League Pakistan in 2008.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was born on November 6, 1950 in Bhabra Bazar Rawalpindi.His father was from Sri Nagar, Kashmir while mother was from Amritsar.In 1947 his parents migrated from Sri Nagar and settled in Rawalpindi.They established business in silk.
Sheikh Rashid Ahmed got his initial education from Christian High school Rawalpindi.He studied at Polytechnic College Rawalpindi.On November 7, 1968 he organized movement against Ayub regime in which one student Hameed Shaheed sacrificed his life.Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was among three student who were barred from getting admisssion in any eductional institution.Later he got admission in Gordon College Rawalpindi and took active part in student politics.He emerged as a successful student leader and was elected in Student Union as Joint Secretary,Secretary,Vice President and President during four years respectively.He graduated from Gordon College and passed his M.A examination from Shahpur Jail.He completed his L.L.B from Lahore.He became Manging Director of Gulmerg Company,which was doing business in silk and silk yarn.He started his political career from Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi and became leader of Opposition in the Corporation.In 1985 general elections he was elected Member of the National Assembly from Rawalpindi as independent and subsequently has been elected MNA for six times.During October 2002 election he was elected from two seats and established a new record in politics of pakistan.He is among only few politicians who have been elected MNAs six time consecutively.He has served as Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower,Information,Industries,Sports Culture and Tourism and Investment.He has spent overall five years in solitary confinement for the cause of democracy.He was awarded seven years rigorous imprisonment in Klashnikov case and spent two years in Bahawalpur Jail.
He addressed the 41st session of the U.N. General Assembly and participated in Geneva Accords, Moscow conference.Apart from representing Pakistan on several International fora and was incharge of Gulf war monitoringl.He has served five times as member of the standing committees of Foreign Affairs and Kashmir.He rendered commendable services for the Kashmir cause.He is the author of two books.His book namely "Farzand-e-Pakistan" was declared book of the year.His other book titled "Sub Achha Hai" is in the final stage of its publication.

We are presenting this manifesto to the people of Pakistan at a critical time for the country. The vision of the Quaid’s Pakistan has been damaged-today, people are being beheaded and burnt alive, schools, mosques, churches and temples blown up and destroyed.

Our society is divided in to two classes-the very rich and the very poor. One segment of the population is living a life of unfold wealth and luxury while the majority of the people are starving, selling their children for food, and forced to commit suicide because they cannot support their families.

Poverty is increasing by 6% a year and more than 35% of the people live well below the poverty line.

The prices of necessary commodities have skyrocketed and the basic needs of the common man have become unaffordable.

All privileges, benefits, and facilities fall into the laps of the vested and corrupt elements in the country-the masses remain neglected and forgotten.

The legal fraternity has been out on the streets for the past 1&1/2 years in protest for the restoration of the deposed judges but not for the interests of the common man. It is ironic that the lawyers are demanding justice. Was Pakistan created only for the interests of the vested and the powerful?

The people of the sub-continent did not offer unimaginable sacrifices so certain elements could rule and the rest remain downtrodden and subservient.

In his speech to the “All India Muslim League” in New Delhi on April 24, 1943, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah said: “The common people would rule Pakistan” and he warned the landlords and feudals that their system would no longer work as it was based on injustice. “They have forgotten the teachings of Islam,” he said. “They were gaining affluence thru greed and self-centeredness.” He stressed that there was poverty in all the villages because people do not have the resources to earn a living. “Is that our civilization and our norms,” he asked.

The Awami Muslim League was formed in keeping with the principles and the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. We have introduced a platform based on justice and equal opportunities for all of the 170 million Pakistanis and for the abolishment of the social inequalities that plague our society like a cancer. The Awami Muslim League is dedicated to higher education, healthcare treatment and facilities, justice, and employment opportunities for all classes-not just for the families of the wealthy and powerful. We want every Pakistani to enjoy a life of dignity and self respect.

Ø The implementation of the Islamic system and its supremacy will be insured.

Ø Freedom of religion would be granted to all religions based on the principle of: “Do not leave your religion nor touch upon others.”

Ø Rights of minorities would be fully protected.

Ø Violence, extremism and prejudices would not be tolerated.

Ø The educated youth who are unable to find employment would receive a monthly stipend.

Ø The criteria for admission into academic institutes would be based on merit.

Ø Teachers would earn attractive and competitive salaries.

Ø The poor would also have access to primary and higher education.

Ø The minimum wage would be increased to Rs.10, 000.

Ø Micro financing would be encouraged and small loans on easy terms and conditions would be given to people in order to generate jobs.

Ø Farmers would have an opportunity to claim barren land.

Ø Awami Muslim League will focus on the youth of the country-more than half of the population is under 20 years and their aspirations must be realized.

Ø Separate ministries will be formed with the view to provide employment at nominal rates to young people who choose to go abroad.

Ø Special facilities will be provided for senior citizens-concessions and privileges accorded to them.

Ø Special assistance will be extended to disabled people. They would be provided with employment opportunities and special facilities, including transport.

Ø The party will form a think-tank comprising qualified people from all walks of life to share their expertise and viewpoints which would then be incorporated into the manifesto of the Awami Muslim League.

JUSTICE

Ø Awami Muslim League Promises to work for a speedy justice system in the country. Judges will be appointed at jails in order that minor cases can be swiftly deposed of.

Ø Special attention will be paid to prison reforms and prisoners will be provided basic facilities.

Ø Prisoners who display good conduct during their detention could be released on bail.

Ø Community service might be a condition of bail in some cases-i.e. prisoners might be required to plant trees which would also contribute positively in addressing environmental related issues.

HEALTH

Ø A comprehensive policy would be chalked out to eliminate Hepatitis and Tuberculosis (TB) in the country.

Ø Free medical care will be provided to eligible people from state funds.

Ø Clean drinking water will be available to the masses.

Ø The Awami Muslim League government will establish new hospitals and insure life saving drugs at affordable rates.

Ø Quality medicines will b manufactured domestically and a program supporting herbal and homeopathic treatments will be put in place as alternative health care treatment.

Ø Basic medical facilities will be extended to the most remote areas.

Ø The Awami Muslim League will institute laws against manufactures of fake and sub standard drugs.

EDUCATION

Ø Awami Muslim League is committed to religious education at mosques and seminaries from morning until noon. In addition Physics, Chemistry, English among other subjects would become compulsory.

Ø Every child will be given free primary education.

Ø Awami Muslim League will insure network of computer and high tech colleges across the country.

Ø Children from eligible families would have access to higher education at the expense of the State.

Ø The number of teachers would be increased with attractive packages and salaries.

Ø Curriculum would be standardized across the country.

Ø Free IT education will be made avaible.

Ø Libraries will be set up in every city and village nationwide.

DEFENSE

Ø The jazba of jihad is an important component of the country’s defense.

Ø Awami Muslim League will organize basic military training for young people in view of the various external threats to the country.

Ø Pakistan’s nuclear program would be enhanced as a deterrent because the acquisition of competitive high tech conventional weapons has become difficult.

Ø Awami Muslim League will not allow anyone to use Pakistan territory to wage terrorist activities against another country.

Ø Awami Muslim League will seek to establish better relationship with neighboring countries based on equality and mutual respect.

FOREIGN POLICY

Ø Awami Muslim League will organize seminars from across the political divide to adopt a coherent policy of eliminating terrorism and extremism and ending the violence in the country. Bi lateral ties will be examined and strengthened.

Ø Awami Muslim League will engage to resolve the Kashmir conflict according to the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the UN resolutions.

Ø A cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy will be strong ties and good relationships with India, Afghanistan, Iran and Russia based on democratic values.

Ø Awami Muslim League will guarantee basic human rights for all.

Ø Special relationships with the Islamic countries and the OIC will be cultivated as well with the U.S., Europe and Japan.

Ø Pakistan’s long and friendly relationship with China will be further strengthened.

Ø Pakistan’s nuclear and missile technology program will never be rolled back but further developed.

WOMEN

Ø Every effort will be made to insure the equal rights of women and expand their role in society.

Ø Women will be guaranteed a minimum of 20% representation in every sphere of life. Their quota in public sector jobs will be increased.

Ø Wani, honor-killing and marriages to the Koran will be banned.

Ø Women will be given the right to inherit property.

Ø Talented and qualified women will be appointed on merit-nepotism will not be tolerated.

OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS

Ø In order to strengthen their ties with the motherland, Awami Muslim League will initiate a process whereby special residential plots at good rates will be available to overseas Pakistanis in Islamabad and in the provinces.

Ø Pakistanis living abroad would be provided with lucrative opportunities to invest in their native country.

Ø Overseas Pakistanis hold a wealth of foreign currency reserves and play a pivotal role in the foreign exchange.

Ø Awami Muslim League will provide the teaching of necessary skills to young people to prepare them to go abroad.

BUREAUCRATS/POLICE

Ø Torture in all forms will be abolished from Pakistan’s detention centers.

Ø The police will be upgraded with life saving equipment-i.e. bullet proof vests and helmets. Their salaries would be commensurate with their jobs and the risks involved.

Ø Awami Muslim League promises to cultivate police forces who are dedicated to working for the people not against them.

Ø Awami Muslim League will insure that government servants serve the people and not use their office to extract lucrative perks and privileges from the state coffers.

POLICY FOR MINORITIES

Ø Awami Muslim League will strive to protect the rights of minorities and insure their religious freedom.

Ø All form of religious bias will be eliminated. The rights of double franchise for minority groups would be restored.

Ø Scholarships for higher education will be available for all Pakistanis.

NEWSPAPERS/TV

Ø A free and independent media is an important pillar of Pakistani society. Awami Muslim League founder, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, has played a significant role in the expansion of the media.

Ø Television and the print media played an important role in the restoration of democracy.

Ø New media start ups would be facilitated with the fulfillment of certain criteria.

AUTHORITY OF PRESIDENT/PRIME MINISTER

Ø The president of Pakistan and the prime minister would enjoy equal powers.

Ø The powers enjoyed by the president as a result of Article 58-2B will be clipped.

Ø The president would have the authority to appoint the services chiefs in consultation with the prime minister.

Ø The prime minister would have the power to appoint the governors of the four provinces.

LOCAL BODIES

Ø Awami Muslim League recognizes that the local body elections are an important pillar in the democratic development of the country-necessary to resolve the problems at the grass roots level.

Ø Instead of 22 councilors in the present local government system, Awami Muslim League advocates the election of a nazim and naib nazim.

Ø Minority representatives would be elected in a ward where they have more than 100 votes.

Ø Awami Muslim League believes that this process would help to alleviate tensions at the local government level-ending differences between people.

Ø The administration would remain impartial during the local body election process.

Ø Awami Muslim League president and founder, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, during his tenure as Minister of culture, elevated the status of Pakistan’s film industry.

Ø Awami Muslim League would create a special fund to assist artists who have no independent means as they approach the end of their careers.

Ø Awami Muslim League would establish academies to promote artists and the arts in the four provinces and in the capital, Islamabad.

Ø All measures will be taken to insure the welfare of artists.

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY/HIGHER EDUCATION

Ø In a bid to promote higher education to the children of deserving families, Awami Muslim League will arrange for free science and technology education for talented children across the country.

Ø Special opportunities will be guaranteed to these children who want to continue their education but cannot due to financial restraints.

Ø Science and Technology centers, offering free boarding, books and food will be established throughout the country.

PRIVATE INVESTMENT

Ø Free industrial zones will be established in the country to promote private investment.

Ø Free land would be allotted to investors-electricity, gas and clean drinking water will be provided in these zones.

Ø Special concessions on duties and easy loans to investors would be made available.

FRUGALITY

Ø Awami Muslim League would encourage cost cutting across the board. At present, government ministers and offices are incurring huge expenses for personal gain.

Ø 1000cc and 800cc cars would be used instead of luxury vehicles.

Ø Limits on the use of petrol would be enforced.

Ø Travel on buses and trains would be upgraded and made comfortable and thereby encouraged.

Ø Government employee expenses would be monitored-especially on foreign trips.

Ø Unnecessary foreign trips will be prohibited.

USTICE/LEGAL SITUATION

Ø The country is in the grip of a legal crisis and respect for the entire judiciary in Pakistan is on the wane. This can be attributed to 60 years of the country’s rulers stacking the courts with their favorites.

Ø Awami Muslim League will support a free and independent judiciary.

Ø Awami Muslim League endorses the restoration of the deposed judges.

Ø Judges will be appointed on merit.

Ø 1973 Constitution will be restored in its original form.

Ø Real democratic freedom will be introduced in FATA and the Northern Areas.

Ø Opposition parties will be given due respect.

Ø The election commission will be made free and impartial.

Ø The four provinces will be given autonomy in accordance with the 1973 Constitution.

Ø There will be no restrictions of any kind on the media.

TRANSPORT

Ø Mass transit will be introduced into cities with populations of more than 1 million-existing public transport facilities will be expanded.

Ø New trains and signal systems will be introduced.

Ø The road network would be expanded.

UNEMPLOYMENT/DEARNESS

Ø Unemployment and Dearness are major problems.

Ø Skilled laborers will be sent abroad to work.

Ø Subsidies will be given on 12 items while keeping a vigilant check on dearness.

Ø A network of small industries will be underpinned in order to generate employment opportunities in the country.

Ø Jobs will be generated in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

ENERGY/PETROL

Ø There has been no serious effort to explore oil in Pakistan we need to introduce investment in this area in order to improve the economy.

Ø Awami Muslim League will earmark special funds for oil exploration-the budget for the exploration of new oil wells will be doubled and special incentives would be offered to international firms.

Ø New oil refineries equipped with the latest technology would be set up in Pakistan.

ECONOMY

Ø The tax system would be expanded to strengthen the economy- a robust economy guarantees an independent foreign policy and a strong defense system.

Ø Efforts would be made to develop the production of raw materials.

Ø Funds given for the elimination of terrorism would be spent on development projects in FATA and setting up of industry.

Ø There has been no significant progress on developing wheat seed-a comprehensive strategy must be formulated to protect wheat stocks.

Ø Hoarders, smugglers and like mafias, who are robbing the people, will be punished.

Ø Cottage industries would be encouraged as would the introduction of their products in international markets.

Ø A comprehensive import and export police will be formulated for the benefit of the country, the people and the investors.

Ø Awami Muslim League will set up new industrial tax free zones and the old industrial zones will be reviewed and improved.

Ø Awami Muslim League would institute a program for farmers whereby 1 cow will be given free to farmers so long as the farmer gives 2 calves back to the government.

Ø Farmers will be paid at competitive prices for their produce.

Ø Loans on easy terms will be made available to unemployed youth.

ACCOMODATION FACILITIES

Ø A stimulus program to develop new and smaller cities in proximity to Pakistan’s large metropolises would be introduced-small housing units and flats would be constructed in these new cities. Expenses would be met in the form of rents. Once the entire amount was paid in full, ownership rights would be given.

Ø Schools, health facilities, and sport complexes would be constructed in these new cities.

POWER GENERATION

Ø Petrol is being used to generate power in Pakistan even though the country has a large reserve of untapped coal mines. Electricity has become expensive due to the price fluctuations in the market which is having an adverse effect on industries and industrial units-the agri sector has also been hard hit by the increase in petrol prices.

Ø Awami Muslim League would introduce measures to generate power from coal, gas and hydro electricity. Dams would be constructed to help resolve the energy crisis which is expected to intensify in the next few years.

Ø The controversy surrounding the kalabagh Dam would be resolved in the Parliament and removed with constitutional cover.

LABOURERS

Ø Laborers are the backbone of the economy-an increase in their salaries is a necessity.

Ø Pakistan is a signatory to the ILO Convention but still the laborers have not been awarded their due.

Ø EOBI funds will be spent on the restoration of educational and medical facilities to the laborers and their families.

Ø Scholarships, social security and health services would be set up for the children of laborers.

Ø Awami Muslim League will increase the minimum ceiling on group insurance.

Ø Awami Muslim League will strive to eliminate child labors and bonded and forced labour.

YOUTH AND HEALTH ACTIVITIES/SPORTS

Ø Awami Muslim League is committed to the youth of this country.

Ø Young people will be afforded loans on personal guarantee.

Ø Sports would be encouraged in all sectors of society- banking, railways etc.-special attention would be given to boosting various sports.

Ø Youth centers will be established in every city and town.

Ø Result oriented measures will be implemented to control narcotics and drugs in sports.

AGRICULTURE

Ø Awami Muslim League supports a green revolution.

Ø Wasteland will be reclaimed and distributed among farmers after a 2 year ultimatum to reclaim the lands. Easy loans, seeds, tractors and fertilizers would be given on credit (passbook) to farmers.

Ø Awami Muslim League recognizes the need to make locally produced fruits and vegetables available on international markets-new markets for dates, mangoes, and oranges would be explored.

Ø The production of teas and edible oil will be increased.

Ø The lining of water courses and small dams would be planned.

Ø Awami Muslim League supports the development of the livestock sector and the seed industry.

Ø Awami Muslim League supports the development of fish farms.

Ø An initiative to cultivate forests from private trees would be tabled.

Ø Easy loans would be made available for tube wells and tractors.

Ø The duty tax would be waived on agricultural machinery and bulldozers.

LAW AND ORDER

Ø Awami Muslim League proposes to double the law and order budget in the country to counter the rising crime rate. Poverty, incompetent and corrupt police and illegal drugs are all contributing factors to the increase in criminal activities.

Ø Pakistan has become a market for herion.

Ø Awami Muslim League is committed to stanch the flow of drugs into Pakistan’s cities, and settled areas, cut drug production and break the narco-trafficking mafia.

PENSIONS AND SENIOR CITIZENS

Ø As the Minister for Railways, Awami Muslim League founder and president, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, reduced fares for senior citizens.

Ø Awami Muslim League is committed to the well being of senior citizens and pledges to reduce rents and transit fares and to provide free medical care and pension schemes for senior citizens.

Ø Awami Muslim League founder and president, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, endorses special incentives to small and medium businesses-with special attention given to agro-chemical, agro-instruments, engineering, and electronics.

Ø Awami Muslim League will implement the framing of a viable labor policy.

Ø The tourism industry will be redefined and enhanced.

Ø Information will be readily available for industrial development-the cooperative sectors, business chambers and industrial sectors would be bolstered.

Ø Supports would be given to the exploration and development of the mineral industries.

Ø Exports will be encouraged.

ENVIRONMENT

Ø The planting of trees will be encouraged in the private sector-tree-cutting will be punished; tree planting rewarded.

Ø Laws will be enacted to protect wild life.

CONCLUSION

During Pakistan’s 60 year history, the feudals, industrialists and powerful families have cheated the people in the name of democracy. The masses have the right to vote- that vote often corridors of power.

Party workers are consistently used as mere tools to chant slogans during election rallies and campaigns but deprived of any benefits that might improve their wretched lives.

The popular slogan “Eradication of Poverty” has been raised in each and every election campaign but the “Realpolitik” is that poverty and misery have accelerated with each new government. Today, the prices of daily necessities have increased at such an alarming rate that the common man is no longer able to afford them.

Awami Muslim League, in bid to resolve the problems of price-hiking, will attempt to take effective measures to promote foreign investment and to support the development of the industrial and agricultural sectors of the country. Barren lands must be reclaimed and made arable. The revenue and tax system must be reviewed and reformed.

The disenfranchised would be given a voice and golden principles of Quaid-e-Azam would be implemented in letter and spirit.

Awami Muslim League is committed to the poor and middle class people of Pakistan, including the minorities, which is in keeping with the ideas of the Quaid-e-Azam.

Awami Muslim League founder and president, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, believes that the future of the country lies with the poor and underprivileged masses. Mr. Ahmed has been a life long advocate and champion of education to eliminate poverty and oppression.

“MOVE WITH US”!!------ Awami Muslim League is the voice and the conscience of the millions of deprived, oppressed, helpless Pakistanis.